Free Stuff!

While I’m technically still on unofficial maternity leave from Apex Publications, I’m always following what the good folks there are up to, and thought I’d share a few things going on there this week.

First off: Apex is doing a couple of great book giveaways, until July 31st, over at Goodreads for their two newest releases*, THE APEX BOOK OF WORLD SF 3 edited by Lavie Tidhar, and WAR STORIES edited by Jaym Gates and Andrew Liptak.

About THE APEX BOOK OF WORLD SF 3: “These stories run the gamut from science fiction, to fantasy, to horror. Some are translations (from German, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Swedish), and some were written in English. The authors herein come from Asia and Europe, Africa and Latin America. Their stories are all wondrous and wonderful, and showcase the vitality and diversity that can be found in the field. They are a conversation, by voices that should be heart. And once again, editor Lavie Tidhar and Apex Publications are tremendously grateful for the opportunity to bring them to our readers.”–Apex Publications

About WAR STORIES: “Join Joe Haldeman, Linda Nagata, Ken Liu, Jay Posey, Karin Lowachee, and many more as they take you on a tour of the battlefields, from those hurtling through space in spaceships and winding along trails deep in the jungle with bullets whizzing overhead, to the ones hiding behind calm smiles, waiting patiently to reveal itself in those quiet moments when we feel safest. War Stories brings us 23 stories of the impacts of war, showcasing the systems, combat, armor, and aftermath without condemnation or glorification.”–Apex Publications

Do you like strange little shops, arts and crafts, small town gossip, and magic? Then you might just like “Ten-Day”! Stop by Daikaijuzine to check it out, and give them some love: it’s their last issue! :(

Hey all! Just wanted to drop in real quick here (prior to a proper update) to let you know that DARK FUTURES: TALES OF DYSTOPIC SF now has its own website, and that if you’re interested, you can find the online copy of my short story “Memories of Hope City” there for free reading! Of course, I hope you’ll consider picking up a copy also (so I can sign it!), but if you’re dying for a sneak peek, head over and check it out!

Well, I think I’m over the initial exhaustion of the new FT job. I’m getting used to the hours, used to the time restrictions, used to the commute, and most of all, used to the work. I don’t feel quite as much like a fish out of water.

The benefit of this gradual adapting is that I’ve gotten back full-swing to Apex submissions, which have sadly sat in my inbox longer than I would usually like (still under our 20-30 day turnaround, but still). Got through a number today, which was good, and actually makes my submission folder look a little more manageable! YAY! That’s a relief.

And don’t forget that Apex is holding it’s post-halloween raffle at this moment! Lots of awesome goodies there, so do check it out! It’s just a dollar for a ticket, and that ticket could get you some great prizes.

Did I mention that Andy and I now have two love-seats? WELL WE DO! No more sitting on the floor, like we’ve been doing for the past two months. Now we’ve got a nice little curl-up TV spot. It looks almost like a Sims living room. ^_^

The cats are doing much better too–no longer hiding under the bed (at least not all day). Ozzy is a regular attention pest, which we adore. Mei is much quieter and shy, but she’s a lovey when she’s feeling social. And I think we’ve got Ozzy to stop trying to knead our legs while we’re trying to sleep at night, which is a much appreciated improvement!

I’d like to say the house is also in great shape–neat and tidy–but it’s not. We seriously need to do dishes, but when do I have the time? (Or want to spend that time doing dishes?) We’ll figure out something though.

Did a bunch of Apex stuff today, not the least of which is finally posting some FREE PDF versions of “Lizzie’s Pears” and “Nothing to Gein”, two of the poems from Brandy Schwan’s upcoming CATACOMBS AND PHOTOGRAPHS poetry chapbook. They’re both fantastic poems, and they’re also two of the ones Brandy and I discussed in our interview.

I’m also gathering delightful goodies for our Apex Raffle. It’s turning out to be a really awesome list of booty, so make sure to keep your eyes open at www.apexbookcompany.com for details on entering to win. I’m excited just *thinking* about all the cool stuff we’re going to have raffled off! XD!

Andy’s been hitting the books all day today (with minor distractions), but later we’re heading out to do some running around and general food-eating/job-getting-celebrating with Kaku! YAY! Plus, I’m guessing there will be Dexter. Because seriously, can the three of us ever get together *without* eventually succumbing to our addiction? No. It’s impossible. And that’s the way it’s going to stay!

Writing Stuff

Not quite as productive today as I have been the last few days, but met my 500 goal at least. Need to keep reminding myself that this is the rough-rough draft, and it will be completely reworked before I let anyone read it even as a rough draft. The bones. I’m going for the skeleton, not the meat right now. I need to prove to myself–as much as to anyone–that I can get this rough-rough-vomit-on-paper draft finished for once.